Tributes for television prankster Beadle, dead at 59

Tributes flooded in Thursday for television star and veteran prankster Jeremy Beadle who died Wednesday from pneumonia at the age of 59.

One of the best known faces on TV during the 1980 and 1990s, Beadle attracted viewers in excess of 15 million for shows like You've Been Framed, Game For a Laugh and Beadle's About.

Born in Hackney, after school, he worked as an insurance clerk, music festival promoter, advertising salesman and assembly line worker.

His foray into television began as a writer and presenter of The Deceivers, a BBC2 history of swindlers and hoaxers, and Eureka, which told the stories behind everyday inventions.

In the last few years Beadle had been plagued by ill-health, having been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005.

He was also a passionate fundraiser for Children with Leukaemia and is thought to have raised more than 100 million pounds for various charities.

Beadle was made an MBE in 2001.

Co-stars and stalwarts in large numbers paid tribute to the presenter Thursday.

"Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years. I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately," said Henry Kelly, Beadle's co-presenter on 1980s hidden camera show Game For A Laugh.

Noel Edmonds, Beadle's one-time BBC "rival" said it was "a sad loss for TV and a great shame that a new audience have lost Jeremy Beadle".

"He often came on to dictionary corner on Countdown. He always did a lot of work, a lot of prep for the show, " said Carol Vorderman, who worked with Beadle on Countdown.

"He just loved all kinds of information. You could ask him about anything and he would know about it," she added.

Beadle is survived by his wife Sue, daughters Cassie and Bonnie, and his stepchildren Leo and Claire.

Via afp